My New Book Living More Than OK

purchase it at B & N, Amazon or (click on image of cover)

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Appreciating Each Moment

This week I am continuing to look at music and will again use a song to look at how we can use the songs we enjoy to help in our daily journeys. One helpful resource in looking at the power of music to help and to heal is The Tao of Music: Sound Psychology by John Ortiz. This book looks at how music can relate to a variety of life issues such as depression, self esteem, stress, grief, loss and anger. He presents songs from a wide variety of songs with differing music styles that relate to these various problems people face in life. He offers practical applications and exercises to see how music ca be used therapeutically to improve our lives. His book can help you appreciate the healing power of music.

Time is important and it is a topic that I will come back to, as our journey through this life, is based in the dimension of time. Today I want to look at another song that is one of my favorites, as an example the effect music and lyrics can have for our benefit. The song is Miracle of the Moment, by Steven Curtis Chapman. First look over the lyrics and then watch the You Tube video by clicking on the video link below.

Miracle of the Moment by Steven Curtis Chapman

It's time for letting go; All of our "if onlys"Cause we don't have a time machineAnd even if we did; Would we really want to use it.Would we really want to go change everything.Cause we are who and where and what we are for now,And this is the only moment we can do anything about.So breathe it in and breathe it out; And listen to your heartbeat.There's a wonder in the here and now, It's right there in front of you.And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment.There's only One who knows, What's really out there waiting.And all the moments yet to be, And all we need to know,Is He's out there waiting, To Him the future's history.And He has given us a treasure called right now.And this is the only moment we can do anything about.So breathe it in and breathe it out, And listen to your heartbeat.There's a wonder in the here and now, It's right there in front of you.And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment.And if it brings you tears, Then taste them as they fall.Let them soften your heart.And if it brings you laughter, Then throw your head back. And let it go, Let it go, yeah, You gotta let it go.And listen to your heartbeat.And breathe it in and breathe it out, And listen to your heartbeat.There's a wonder in the here and now, It's right there in front of you.And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment.And breathe it in and breathe it out, And listen to your heartbeat.There's a wonder in the here and now (here and now)It's right there in front of you, And I don't want you to miss the miracle. Of the moment.

This song speaks to an important part of Living More Than OK. Making the most of each moment, by appreciating each moment can have a dynamic effect in our lives. We can increase our happiness levels in life if we can appreciate each moment in our time line as a miracle. By buzzing around busily, we miss the wonder of the world around us. That is a key element I see Chapman is getting across to us in his song. Watch the video again and appreciate the wonder of nature in the pictures found in the video created to go along with the music. Truly awesome!

I know too many times I have missed the sunsets, and here in South Texas, we have some beautiful ones. I have passed by the flowers unknowingly of their beauty. I have missed the treasures of relating to the people around me -- to enjoy sharing their joys or helping with their hurts. Why? I am too caught up rushing on a train to nowhere or blindly floating on autopilot routinely doing tasks that have no lasting value. Do you ever find yourself this way? Be active in your present with awareness as our choices in the present have a great impact on our futures. As Chapman writes, “And this is the only moment we can do anything about”.

Make it a point to choose a day this week to go through the day more mindfully aware of the moments around you. At the end of the day take a short time to write down a reflection. Before you write relax a few minutes just breathing slowly in and out. Then write down the treasures and wonders that the God behind the moments brought into your life that day! Appreciate each moment!

About Me

I am an LPC Counselor and an Adjunct Professor teaching College Success courses in Texas. My aim with this blog is to encourage people to live their lives to the fullest and reach their God given potential.